So in an effort to right those wrongs in honor of its special day, we recommend enjoying tequila the way they do in Mexico: with a majestic three-shot combination known as the bandera.

First know that when we say three shots, two of the shots are nonalcoholic. This is not a slam-down, punch-your-neighbor-in-the-face affair, but rather a smooth and delicious way to savor the most spirited of spirits.

The three shots represent the colors of the Mexican flag (bandera): red, white and green.

For the white, pour a couple of ounces of 100% blue agave tequila blanco.

For the green, two ounces of juice from the freshest limes you can find.

For the red, two ounces of sangrita, a tomato-based chaser that is like a virgin Bloody Mary with more citrus. (Several great recipes can be found here.)

Take a sip of the tequila (don’t shoot it), followed by a sip of the sangrita, and cap it off with a bit of lime juice. Savor. Then repeat as necessary until the shots are gone.